November 18, 2020 Extraordinary, Sporting & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/18/2020
Matching full or partial numbers observed on right side of frame, front face of cylinder, left side of frame, and some internal parts visible when grips are removed. Rare .38 ACP variation with 8 shot cylinder, top break, and iconic "zig zag" cut cylinder that interacts with cocking stud across top strap and advances the cylinder during the firing sequence. Simple U notch rear sight integral with top break. Hammer checkered on sides and spur. "WEBLEY FOSBERY" on left side of top strap, rib marked "P. WEBLEY & SON. LONDON & BIRMINGHAM". Normal Birmingham proof marks throughout. Smooth trigger. Hard rubber grips, left with relief scallop cut for safety lever, with "SAFE" cast in and visible when safety articulated. Rotatable lanyard loop at butt. Accompanied by an unmarked shamrock green fabric sleeve, presumably for storage. CONDITION: Good. Gun retains much of the original factory blue, perhaps half, with most on frame and around cylinder, with some normal age-related patina throughout. Someone has wiped down the barrel with cold blue or equivalent over some old inactive oxidation, starting from approximately the starting slope of the barrel and running to the muzzle. Lanyard loop has worn a distinct ring around the butt and grips. Right grip scale has a small split at base. Action works appropriately (although ejector star needs some encouragement to "snap" back in on break), bore has strong rifling but the is a distinct bulge approximately 2 - 1/4" down the barrel with a ring that can be seen from interior. Very few of these guns were manufactured in .38 ACP and finding them at all is exceedingly difficult.